About HistAct
Project Purpose
HistAct is a research data management system for digital history research. It provides a new research data management methodology based on the connection between data resources generated in the process of historical research and the research "activities" that generate and use them.
Key Features
- Recording Research Actions - Structurally record research actions such as data creation, editing, and analysis
- Preserving Context Information - Record and utilize the context in which data was created and used
- Research Process Management - Trace who did what, where, and with which sources, so the research process is easier to review
- GakuNin RDM Integration - Comprehensive data management through integration with GakuNin RDM
Relationship with PROV Ontology
HistAct is based on the PROV (Provenance) ontology standardized by W3C, with extensions specialized for historical research. Kinds of work include Problematizing, Collecting, Interpreting, and Narrating.
"Realizing new research data management centered on the structuring of research actions" - This is HistAct's vision.
Development Team
HistAct is developed by digital history research experts and software engineers. We aim to provide a user-friendly and practical system that meets researchers' needs.
Technology Stack
HistAct is a web application built with Next.js, React, and TypeScript. Users sign in with their GakuNin RDM account and record data per project.
The source of truth is a PostgreSQL database, which also keeps the edit history. Data is exported as RDF based on the PROV and HisRePO ontologies and periodically published to a triple store. SPARQL queries and RDF import / export are supported.
Every operation available in the UI is also available through the REST API. With an API key, scripts and command-line tools can, for example, register data in bulk.